ATHOL NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 17230, 28 December 1912, Page 8

ATHOL NOTES

(From Our Own Correspondent). The warm dry weather has been most favourable to tho progress of shearing at the various farms and stations round about. This year's clip lias turned out well and the prices realised are somewhat higher than last year's. The general bulk commands from lOd to 1 0 Vi d per lb., free of all commission, etc. The snow hits not yot entirely disappeared from the top of the Dome, and the Paddy's Alley hydraulic sluices are having an exceptionally good water supply. The annual school concert and dance took place on Friday night last. Owing to the rallied' unexpected decease of a well-known Oarston lady quite a gloom was cast over the evening’s entertainment, which was followed by more sad news in the morning, which had its effect on the picnic. Mr Geo. Macdonald presided. The overture was played by Miss Lizzie Gibson, auiss \. Soper contributed a very line sentimental song, Mr W. Hannah a recitation, and Messrs Cosgrove and H. Peterson songs. The overture of the second part. "Santiago,” was played by Miss Lizzie Gibson. who showed groat improvement in style, ease and interpretation on her last performance here. The school children, under (he charge and tuition of Miss V. Soper, contributed their parts well. Their last item, a Christmas song by "Mr Croaker,” terminated tbo concert. During the evening a gold medal won for last season's play was presented by Mr W. Hannah (secretary) to Mr F. K. Argus, who suitably responded. Unfortunately indisposition renders his valuable assistance unavailable this season. After the conceit a dance took place. Mr V. Harris. M.C.. hud less onerous work than usual. Mr D. Sutherland (violin) and Messrs Shirley and McLeod (piano) supplied the music. The first annual sports were held in conjunction with the school picnic in Messrs Price Bros.' paddock on Monday, 33 rd. and turned out very successful Irom many points of view. Being the first of the season along this part of the district, they will probably have thereby special prominence on future occasions.

It may well be presumed that many athletes will in future make their first successes on the “Athol track.” The day was warm, calm and cloudy, ami could not he beaten for the picnic and sports. Of the Sports Committee Mr M. Price is president; Messrs T. Shirley and W. Hobble, vice-presidents; Mr Maley, bandicapper; Mr D. Cameron, starter: Messrs T. Price, G. Soper and Argus, judges ; the committee, Messrs Geo. Macdonald (chairman), S. Soper, Jas. Price, A. Chal11s, G. Soper. T. Soper, 10. Argus, V. Harris, and T. J. Gilfedder; Mr W. Hannah, secretary. The first two events were the Athol School Sheffields for a boys’ and girls' race of 135 yards. This is an annual race for pupils actually on the roll on that date. The handicap is 3 yards for each year of age. Other handicapping might have a closer finish, but that is not an Infallible test of fairness. Stanley Butson, from scratch, won the boys’ Sheffield, as all had expected. The fairness of the handicapping, however, was not apparent in the girls' race, which was won by Miss Mary Butson after a great race in which she was pushed to the last inch by Rose Cameron, with Dora Butson and Cora Ellis less than a yard behind. The most successful runner of the day was Mr A. J. Earl, who had also the good luck to win the bridle donated by Messrs Price Bros. The following is the prize list : Quoits—F. Soper 1, D. Thompson and V. Shirley 2.

Maiden Race —A. J. Earl 1, V. Shirley 2.

Running High Leap—John Earl 1, A. J, Earl 2.

Sheffield —A. J. Earl 1, S. Parker and J. Gibson 2.

Hop. Step and Jump—A. J. Karl 1, J. Gibson 2. Married Men's Race-—John Jvarl 1, J. Theyers J. Half-mile Race —Jas. Dobbie 1, Sam Parker 2. Married Woman's Race—Mrs S. Soper 1. Mrs G, Macdonald 2. 220 Yards Flat Race —A. Butson 1, S, Parker and J, Gibson 2. Young: Ladies Race—Miss L. Gibson 1, Misses V. Soper and L. Butson 2. Putting 161b Ball—J. Karl 1, A. J. Gibson 2. Blind Men's Race —G. H. Soper 1. T. J. Gilfeddor 2. Ticket Race —A. J. Karl 1. A. Gibson, Jnr.. 2. In the School races: —Sheffield, first prize, gold medal (engraved), valued at 05s, Stanley Butson. Girls' Sheffield, first prize, gold medal (engraved), valued at 355, Miss Mary Butson. Two of the most successful events were the Blind Man's Race and Ticket Race. For the former there were 28 competitors, and for the latter IS. It was very noticeable how the short distance sprinters were completely "woodened nut” in (he half-mile by Jas. Bobbie. one of our very few long-distance runners. The difference between the two classes of runners could scarcely ever be more apparent than in this race, apd the regret seems to be that long-distance events are not so well encouraged as in bygone days, when each competitor had to show hardiness, toughness and staying power. As well as those already specially mentioned. Mr Sam, Parker showed very good style and speed. Of coming athletes we arc almost certain to hear much 'again of J. Gibson and A. Gibson. Jnr. In future times we trust that a timetable will be properly arranged for all events, both sports and picnic, and also that provisions will be made to ensure a much-needed temperance booth. For special mention, the handicapper, the starter (Mr 10. Cameron) and bon. secretary (Mr W. Hannah) must decidedly receive their meed of praise. The proof of tile pudding is in its eating, and the proof of a good secretary appears best, perhaps, in the manner and stylo ot the latter part of Ids work. Towards the cud it became apparent that all arrangements, both as secretary and treasurer, were made to fit in hke clockwork, and without delay. Everything was so clearly arranged that one minute after the sports ended the financial position and every other item were distinctly shown cm record. The Sports Committee Since a surplus now of £1 on hand. A giaud social and dance takes place at Parawa on Tuesday night, New Year’s Kve. to ring the "Old Year out and the New Year in,"